Summary
Organization name
Bug Performance and Media Art Center
1996
Tax id (EIN)
84-1352901
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
3654 Navajo StreetDenver, CO 80211
Denver County, CO, US
About
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🐞 We’re Keeping Denver Weird & Wonderful!
At The Bug, we believe the arts are for everyone — emerging creators, longtime stage pros, curious audiences, and first-time attendees alike. Our mission? To provide a stage that is accessible, affordable, and utterly full of possibility.
Our building has lived many lives — it opened as a nickelodeon movie house back in 1912 — but The Bug Theatre as you know it today has been nurturing emerging artists, indie creatives, and delightfully off-center performance since 1994. For more than 30 years, we’ve been Denver’s cozy, quirky hub for film, comedy, theatre, storytelling, community gatherings, and the wonderfully unexpected. Your support helps us stay a welcoming, affordable, and fiercely creative home for artists and audiences alike.
Why your support matters now more than ever:
As development rises around us, we keep our rental rates and ticket prices low so that anyone — at any budget — can take the stage.
Your donation uplifts local filmmakers, playwrights, comedians, musicians, devised-theatre artists, and creative weirdos of every stripe.
Every gift helps sustain our historic building, our mission-driven programming, and the welcoming community space people love to return to. Recurring donations in particular help us remain stable and accessible as our neighborhood evolves
Want to support without giving financially?
Spread the word, volunteer, or participate in our 12 Days of Bug-mas festivities — including games, trivia, merch, and a wildly fun online silent auction.
Thank you for helping keep creativity accessible, community-centered, and vibrantly alive at The Bug. When you give to us, you’re investing in the next generation of Denver artists — and in a one-of-a-kind creative home worth protecting.
⭐ Testimonials: What People Are Saying About The Bug Theatre
"Awesome and intimate, artist driven and focused. We need more people like Alex and establishments like The Bug in our lives. Go to the next show they're hosting, regardless of your familiarity, and enjoy a one of a kind experience in a city that is moving way too fast!" - Mathew M., Google Review
"The Bug is a Denver classic. Tucked in what used to be the city's premier alternative art district, the Bug had survived gentrification and general Mile High mailaise around the arts. That alone is enought to patronize this former local movie house turned live theater. From random theater to alt comedy, the Bug never fails to charm. Whatever the event, you will love it more tucked into this local gem." - David T., Google Review
"One of the last jewels from classic Denver. Great venue with creative programming. I hope it sticks around forever." - Andrew O., Google Review
"I am in love with this place. Irreverently funny stage musicals, awesome indie films, off broadway theater, audience participation shows, low ticket prices, plenty of free parking and genuinely nice people." - Mo C., Google Review
"This place is an absolute treasure. So much history, so many good feels. I love it! This is a must-go-to venue whether you are a lover/ supporter of the arts or simply interested in the architecture." - Lo B., Yelp Review
"Awesome performance venue for those looking for something unique, artsy and fun. Anything from film festivals to plays, or alternative style events. You can always find something fun to do here if you have grown bored of the mainstream." - Jeffrey C., Google Review
"Another one of Denver's little gems, this cozy theater has all the fixings (popcorn, candy, etc) for a fun time. Many independent films and festivals are shone here for mere pennies!!! And they usually have a craft beer sponsor offering freebies!! You won't be sorry by spending time here.: - Sarah P., Google Review
"WONDERFUL venue with lots of off the beaten path entertainment. No trip to Denver is complete without seeing something here." - Cody S., Google Review
"Quirky and intimate. Their monthly "Freak Train" is a great opportunity for the appreciation of our individuality." - Mandy S., Google Review
"One of the coolest spots in Denver - I love their commitment to helping aspiring filmmakers!" - Bailey S., Google Review
"We need more theater... we need more art and comedy and spoken word. Do you want to keep denver weird? Here's the secret - the bug. For our house there is no other small theater in the denver area that puts on weird unique or down right obscure productions. The night of the living dead? Cannibal the musical?! Yes this is the place to keep denver weird." - Mike W., Google Review
Mission
The Bug Performance and Media Art Center is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that seeks to foster a supportive community of artists in Denver by providing the opportunity for the development of unique voices, a diverse audience, and dynamic programming. We believe in the spirit of artistry as the driving force behind every production, in the integrity of the creative individual, and in the power of shared artistic experience.
Background Statement
The Bug Performance and Media Art Center (also known as "The Bug Theatre" or "The Bug") was created by a team of local, independent artists and designed to be an accessible space available to other artists and performers, particularly "emerging" artists who might otherwise be unable to access a venue of this kind.
The space was originally built as a nickelodeon movie house in 1912, known at the time as the Ideal Theater. Throughout the century it has also been known as The World Theatre, The Navajo, and The Avalon, and also operated for a time as a Faith Temple Church, before closing in the 60's and being converted into an appliance storage warehouse. In 1994 it was purchased by local artists Reed Weimer and Chandler Romeo, who incorporated it as a federal 501(c)(3) as "Bug Performance and Media Art Center" and named it The Bug Theatre, a tribute to the nickname the neighborhood kids used to have for the space - the "Bug House".
In 1998 a resident theatre company was introduced to the space. This was followed by the introduction of a small staff in 1999, and the combined efforts of the award-winning Bug Theatre Company and the dedicated administrative staff succeeded in transforming it into the viable artistic entity it is today.
Since then, The Bug has produced live theatrical performance, forums, classes, and acclaimed monthly showcases featuring local independent film, music and performing artists, as well as bringing national and international artworks to our local audiences in the form of film festivals and traveling artists. It has also served as a multi-functional venue that provides a gathering place for community meetings, workshops, benefits, and other artistic events. The Bug continues to work towards its original mission to make the arts accessible to artists and audiences of all means, with both rental rates and ticket prices below the market "norm" for a space of its kind.
Media gallery
Organization Data
Denver, CO 80211